Mop bucket

ABSTRACT

A mop bucket comprises a bucket defining a first compartment and a second compartment. The bucket is rotatable between an upright position and a second position. A first fluid movement path is provided between the second compartment and the first compartment such that liquid in the second compartment drains to the first compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the upright position. A second fluid movement path is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment such that liquid in the first compartment drains to the second compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the second position. A method of operating the mop bucket is also provided.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.13/762,620, as filed on Feb. 8, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety, which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 12/766,197, as filed on Apr. 23, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.8,393,047, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,which claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the filingdate of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/256,508, as filed on Oct.30, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, andto the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/308,536, asfiled on Feb. 26, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

Typically when a user uses a mop bucket to clean a floor with a wet mop,the process starts with clean water and detergent mixed in the mopbucket to create a cleaning solution. Each time the user finishesmopping a section of the floor the mop is dipped in the cleaningsolution to remove as much of the dirt from the mop as possible. Theexcess water and residual dirt may be wrung out of the mop usually usinga wringer. The wrung mop is used again to mop the floor. This process isrepeated until the cleaning solution in the mop bucket appears dirty orbecomes so dirty that the mop, even after wringing, smears dirt on thefloor. Once the cleaning solution is dirty, or is perceived to be dirty,the user pushes the mop bucket back to a janitor closet or other watersource. The dirty cleaning solution is emptied out of the bucket and thebucket is refilled with cleaning solution. The user pushes the mopbucket back to the mopping site. The need to interrupt the floorcleaning process and to transport the bucket to empty and refill thebucket wastes chemical detergent, water, energy and increases labor timeand costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A mop bucket comprises a bucket defining a first compartment and asecond compartment. The bucket is rotatable between an upright positionand a second position. A first fluid movement path is provided betweenthe second compartment and the first compartment such that liquid in thesecond compartment drains to the first compartment under gravity whenthe bucket is in the upright position. A second fluid movement path isprovided between the first compartment and the second compartment suchthat liquid in the first compartment drains to the second compartmentunder gravity when the bucket is in the second position. A filter islocated in one of the first or second fluid movement paths.

The first compartment may be divided from the second compartment by awall. The mop bucket may have an upper rim where the wall is spacedbelow the upper rim of the bucket. A bottom of the first compartment mayextend below a bottom of the second compartment. The first fluidmovement path may include an aperture in the wall. A first capacity ofthe first compartment below the aperture may be approximately the sameor slightly less than a second capacity of the second compartment. Thefilter may be located at the bottom of the second compartment and may bedimensioned to completely fill the bottom of the second compartment. Thefilter may comprise a top grid and a bottom grid and a filteringelement. The filtering element may comprise a layer of sand. The filtermay comprise a retaining cloth above and below the layer of sand. Thebucket may be supported on a frame such that the bucket may be pivotedrelative to the frame between the upright position and the secondposition. The frame may be supported on wheels. The bucket may rotateapproximately 90° between the upright position and the second position.A stop may be provided on the bucket that contacts the frame when thebucket is in the upright position. A lock may be provided that locks thebucket relative to the frame when the bucket is in the upright position.The bucket may be supported on wheels and a handle may be fixed to thebucket. A chamber may be formed in the handle and a cord may be locatedin the chamber that is extendable from the handle.

A method of using a mop bucket comprises providing a bucket defining afirst compartment and a second compartment. The bucket is rotatablebetween an upright position and a second position. The first compartmentis filled with cleaning solution. The bucket is rotated from the uprightposition to the second position to allow the cleaning solution to drainfrom the first compartment to the second compartment. The bucket isrotated from the second position to the upright position such that thecleaning solution drains from the second compartment to the firstcompartment. The cleaning solution may be filtered as it drains betweenthe second compartment and the first compartment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bucket of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bucket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the bucket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the bucket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a section perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a filter of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the filter of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 are a section views showing the operation of thebucket of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are section views showing the operation of analternative embodiment of the bucket of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bucket of FIGS. 11, 12 and 13.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are a section views showing an embodiment and operationof the mop agitator.

FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of the agitator of FIGS. 15 and16.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the operation of the bucket of FIGS.5 and 11.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the operation of the bucket of FIGS.1 through 5.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the operation of the bucket of FIGS.11 through 14.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wringer.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the wringer of FIG. 21.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view showing the control for the adjustableroller of the wringer of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23 through 25 are perspective views showing the operation of thewringer mechanism of the wringer of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a top view showing the wringer mechanism of the wringer ofFIG. 21.

FIGS. 27 through 29 are side views showing the operation of the wringermechanism of the wringer of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are a block diagram showing the operation of thewringer of FIG. 21.

FIG. 31 is a front view of an embodiment of the mop frame.

FIG. 32 is a section view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a section view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31 showing theframe in a partially open position.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective views of the mop frame of FIG. 31.

FIGS. 36 a through 36 e are side views of the mop frame of FIG. 31showing the operation of the frame.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the operation of the mop frame.

FIGS. 38 and 39 are perspective views showing alternate embodiments ofthe agitator.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of thefilter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The mopping system comprises embodiments of a mop, frame, handle,bucket, and wringer as disclosed. While the individual components of thesystem described herein are useful when used together as part of themopping system, the components may also be used independently from oneanother. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5 the mop bucket of the inventioncomprises a housing 2 defining an interior space 4 that retains thecleaning solution. While a typical cleaning solution comprises watermixed with a detergent, the term “cleaning solution” as used hereinincludes any liquid used for cleaning including water. The housing 2 hasan upstanding side wall 8 with an upwardly facing opening formed by rim6 at the top edge thereof. The illustrated embodiment of the bucket 2has opposed front and back walls 8 a, 8 b and opposed side walls 8 c, 8d although the bucket may have any suitable shape. The user may accessthe interior of the bucket 2 through the opening defined by rim 6 tofill the bucket with cleaning solution and to insert the mop into thebucket during use of the bucket.

A wringer 200 is located over opening defined by rim 6 such that the mopmay be inserted through the wringer into the interior space 4 of bucket2. The wringer 200 is shown as having a pair of cooperating rollers 220and 230 that cooperate to wring cleaning solution and dirt from the mopsuch that the wrung cleaning solution and dirt falls into the bucket.The rollers 14 may be actuated by a lever 266 to bring the rollerstogether to compress the mop and wring the cleaning solution and dirtfrom the mop. While a specific embodiment of a wringer assembly is shownand described with respect to FIGS. 21 through 30, the wringer 200 usedwith bucket 2 may have any construction and operation that allows thedirty cleaning solution to be wrung into the bucket as will hereinafterbe described.

The bucket 2 is divided into two internal compartments by internaldivider wall 26. The first compartment is a mop compartment 20 and thesecond compartment is a filter compartment 22. While in the illustratedembodiment the two compartments are formed integrally with one anotheras part of a single bucket, the filter compartment may be made as aseparate unit from the bucket that is detachable from the bucket suchthat the bucket may be used without the filter compartment 22. In theillustrated embodiment the internal wall 26 extends across the width ofinterior space 4 and is connected to side walls 8 c, 8 d of the bucket 2with the mop compartment 20 disposed along the front of the bucket andthe filter compartment 22 disposed along the back of the bucket. Thewall 26 is dimensioned such that the top edge 26 a of wall 26 is spacedbelow the rim 6 of the bucket 2. A cover 27 is secured to the rim 6 ofbucket 2 over filter compartment 22 to create a liquid tight sealbetween bucket 2 and cover 27. As a result, when the bucket is rotatedto tilted position (as will hereinafter be described), any liquid in themop compartment 20 will spill over the edge 26 a of the wall 26 anddrain from the mop compartment 20 to the filter compartment 22 withoutspilling from the bucket such that a fluid movement path between the mopcompartment 20 and the filter compartment 22 is provided as representedby arrow A. An overspill wall 11 pivots about an axis 13, defined bypins 3 that engage holes 5 in sidewalls 8 a and 8 b between a retractedposition when the bucket is in the upright position (shown in FIGS. 5and 8) to a active position where it overlaps cover 27 when the bucketis in the tilted position (shown in FIGS. 9 and 14). The overspill wall11 prevents the liquid from splashing over the cover 27 and out of thebucket. The fluid movement path A may comprise tubes, conduits or otherpassageways, rather than the simple spillway described above, that allowthe liquid to drain from the mop compartment 20 to the filtercompartment 22.

The bottom 30 of the mop compartment 20 extends below the bottom 32 ofthe filter compartment 22 such that the bottom 32 of the filtercompartment 22 is located at an elevated position relative to the mopcompartment 20. The divider wall 26 includes an aperture or a pluralityof spaced apertures 34 located adjacent bottom wall 32 such that liquidin filter compartment 22 may drain by gravity through apertures 34 intothe mop compartment 20. When the bucket is in the upright position andliquid is in the filter compartment 22 a fluid movement path between thefilter compartment 22 and the mop compartment 20 is provided asrepresented by arrow C that allows the liquid to drain from the filtercompartment 22 to the mop compartment 20. The fluid movement pathcomprises the apertures 34 and the angled bottom wall 32 that drainsliquid to the apertures 34. The fluid movement path may comprise tubes,conduits or other passageways that allow the fluid to drain from thefilter compartment 22 to the mop compartment 20. The capacity of the mopcompartment 20 below the apertures 34 is approximately the same orslightly less than the capacity of the filter compartment 22 such thatthe volume of cleaning solution in the mop compartment 20 may becontained in the filter compartment 22.

A mop 23 is inserted into the mop compartment 20 during use of thebucket as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. If a wringer is used, the wringer ispositioned such that liquid and dirt wrung from the mop enters mopcompartment 20. Referring to FIGS. 15 through 17, agitator brackets 17supporting agitator blades 19 a and 19 b may be provided in compartment20 to scrub the cleaning surfaces of the mop 23 and release the dirt offof the mop and into the cleaning solution. Two of the brackets 17 areconnected to supports 21 formed on the inside of wall 8 a such that theyextend into the mop compartment 22 and support blade 19 a along thefront wall. Two other agitator brackets are connected to the top edge ofthe divider wall 26 such that they extend into the mop compartment andsupport blade 19 b along the divider wall 26. The brackets 17 may besupported other than as shown provided the agitator blades 19 a, 19 bextend into the compartment containing cleaning fluid and are disposedopposite to and face one another. Agitator blades 19 a and 19 b aresubmerged below the surface of the cleaning fluid 25 and are spaced suchthat a mop 23 may be inserted into mop compartment 20 with the cleaningsurfaces of the mop disposed in the cleaning solution between theagitator blades 19 a and 19 b. Each agitator blade 19 a, 19 b comprisesa planar support 15 that is connected to and supported by the brackets17 and are disposed generally parallel to one another. Extending fromthe support 15 are a plurality of generally horizontally extending fins29. The fins 29 comprise thin planar members that extend from support 15for substantially the width of the support 15. The support 15 and fins29 may be formed of molded plastic, rubber or other similar material.The bottoms ends of brackets 17 are formed with flanges 31 and 33 thatdefine a space 43 therebetween. The flanges 29 and 31 surround flanges35 that extend upwardly from the bottom of the bucket 2 such that theflanges are located in spaces 43. The engagement of the flanges 35 withflanges 31 and 33 fixes the lower ends of the brackets 17 relative tothe bucket. Mop 23 can be reciprocated up and down in mop compartment 20along a first direction B that is transverse to the direction that thefins 29 extend such that the agitator blades 19 contact the mop surfaceand clean dirt and debris from the mop. The agitator blades 19 alsocreate turbulence in the cleaning solution that also frees dirt anddebris from the mop.

An alternate embodiment of the agitator blades 119 a, 119 b is shown inFIG. 38 and comprises a planar support 127 that is connected to andsupported by the brackets 17 and are disposed generally parallel to oneanother. Extending from the support 127 are a plurality of bristles 129.The bristles 129 may comprise monofilament bristles that extend fromsupport 27 over substantially the entire surface area of the support127. Referring to FIG. 39, the bristles may also comprise molded rubberbristles 229 that extend from support 227 over substantially the entiresurface area of the support as shown in FIG. 39. The agitator blades arespaced from one another a distance sufficient to allow a mop to beinserted between the agitator blades such that the mop 23 can bereciprocated up and down along a first direction that is transverse tothe direction that the bristles 129, 229 extend such that the bristlescontact the mop surface and clean dirt and debris from the mop.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a drain 37 may be provided in the bottom ofthe compartment 20 such that the cleaning solution may be easily drainedfrom bucket 2. The drain 37 may comprise a threaded drain plug 39 thatengages a mating threaded hole on the bucket 2.

A filter 40 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 that comprises a frame 41comprising a top ring 42 and bottom grid 44. A filtering element 48 islocated in the frame 41 such that liquid may flow into filter 40 throughtop ring 42 and through the filtering element 48 and out of the bottomgrid 44. The filtering element 48 may comprise any suitable filter thatcan remove particles, dirt and debris from the cleaning solution. In oneembodiment the filtering element 48 comprises a layer of sand 50. Thelayer of sand 50 may comprise a 0.25″ thick layer of fine grain sand.Above and below the layer of sand 50 are layers of retaining cloth 52,54, respectively, such as 5 micron cloth. Above and below the layers ofretaining cloth 52 and 54 are layers of wire mesh 56 and 58,respectively, such as 0.25″ wire mesh. An upper grid 46 is located abovethe wire mesh layer 56 and four layers of 5 micron cloth 60 may belocated above upper grid 46. The bottom grid 44 is secured to the topring 42 by a plurality of screws or other fasteners 62 to sandwich thelayers together. The top ring 42 and four layers of cloth 60 form a prefilter. The top ring 42 and four layers of cloth 60 may be eliminatedand the upper grid 46 secured to the bottom grid 44 by fasteners 62 suchthat the upper grid 46 forms the inlet to the filter. The sand layer 50is maintained in a uniform thickness and in a flat orientation to createan effective water filter. The water is able to freely flow through allof these components. To ensure that all of the liquid flows through thefilter elements a liquid tight seal is made between each of the filterelements and the inside wall of bottom grid 44. Referring to FIG. 40 analternate embodiment of the filter may comprise a cast ceramic or porousplastic filter 140 that comprises a solid body having a plurality ofvoids 143 formed therein that allow the cleaning fluid to flow throughthe filter while trapping dirt and debris in the voids.

Referring to FIG. 5, the filter 40 is located at the bottom of thefilter compartment 22 and is dimensioned to completely fill the filtercompartment such that any liquid in the filter compartment 22 flowsthrough the filter 40 to apertures 34 along fluid movement path C. Aliquid tight seal is provided between the filter 40 and bucket 2 toensure that all of the liquid flows through the filter. While the filter40 is shown at the bottom of the filter compartment 22 the filter may belocated at a different position provided the cleaning solution flowsthrough the filter. For example the filter may be centrally located infilter compartment 22 or it may be located in the fluid movement path Abetween the mop compartment 20 and filter compartment 22, for example,in the spill way defined by the top edge 26 a of wall 26 and cover 27.Moreover, the filter is a self contained unit that is removable from thebucket 2 such that the filter can be removed and cleaned and replaced inthe bucket.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the bucket 2 is supported on a frame 50such that the bucket 2 may be pivoted between an upright position, shownin FIGS. 1 through 5, to a tilted position, shown in FIG. 9. In theillustrated embodiment, in the upright position the bucket is disposedsubstantially vertically and the bucket is rotated approximately 90° toa tilted position that is just past horizontal such that wall 26 isinclined slightly downward from the bottom 30 toward fluid movement pathA. The frame 50 comprises a first side member 52 connected to a secondside member 54 by cross members 56 to create a rigid support structurethat supports bucket 2 between side members 52, 54. The frame 50 issupported on swivel wheels 58 such that the frame 50 and bucket 2 may betransported over a floor or other surface by rolling wheels 58.

Extending from each of side walls 8 c and 8 d are axles 60 that define ahorizontal pivot axis a-a for the bucket 2. The axles 60 are supportedin bearings 62 that allow the bucket 2 to pivot relative to the frame 50such that the bucket may be rotated approximately 90° between theupright position of FIG. 1 and the tilted position of FIG. 9. In theupright mopping position, stops 64 extend from side walls 8 c, 8 d.Stops 64 engage abutments 66 formed on frame 50 when the bucket 2 is inthe upright position to stop the bucket in the upright orientation. Alock 70 locks the bucket in the upright position to prevent the bucketfrom inadvertently tilting during use of the mop bucket. The lock 70comprises a latch 72 that is pivotably mounted on pin 74 to the frame 50such that it can pivot toward and away from the bucket 2. The latch 72includes an engagement portion 76 at one end and a pedal 82 at theopposite end that can be depressed by the user to unlock the latch. Theengagement portion 78 of latch 72 engages a portion of the bucket suchthat the bucket cannot pivot relative to the latch when the latch is inthe engaged, locked position. In the illustrated embodiment theengagement portion 76 comprises a slot 78 that is engaged by a flange 80on bucket 2. A spring (not shown) biases the latch 72 to the illustratedlocked position. To release the latch 72 the user pushes on pedal 82 topivot latch 72 about pin 74 such that the engagement portion 76 isrotated away from the bucket and the latch releases flange 80. Once thelock is released the user may manually pivot the bucket to the tiltedposition about axis a-a in the direction of arrow D. The latch includesa cam surface 84 that is disposed such that when the bucket 2 is rotatedfrom the tilted position back to the upright position (in the directionopposite to arrow D) the flange 80 strikes cam surface 84 to move thelatch 72 to the release position. Once the flange 80 becomes alignedwith the slot 78 the spring rotates the latch 72 back to the lockedposition where engagement portion 76 is locked on bucket 2. The pedal 82is shown located at the bottom of the frame 50 such that it may beoperated by the user's foot; however, the pedal could be locatedelsewhere on the frame and may include an upstanding lever such that itmay be conveniently hand operated.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 18 the operation of the bucket will bedescribed. During a typical procedure for mopping a floor the user fillsmop compartment 20 with clean cleaning solution 23 (block 1801). Thecleaning solution is filled to approximately the drain apertures 34 suchthat cleaning solution in compartment 20 fills but will not overflow thefilter compartment 22 during use of the bucket. The user dips the mopthrough wringer assembly 200 and into compartment 20 (block 1802). Themop may be scrubbed by agitator blades 19 a, 19 b to release the dirtoff of the mop into the cleaning solution 25. The user removes the mopfrom compartment 20 and may use wringer 200 to wring excess dirt andcleaning solution from the mop into the cleaning solution in compartment20. After the user has dipped the mop into the cleaning solution incompartment 20 multiple times the dirty cleaning solution may befiltered clean. To filter and clean the cleaning solution 25, the bucket2 is pivoted from the upright position of FIG. 8 to the tilted positionof FIG. 9 until the mop compartment 20 is disposed over the filtercompartment 22 and the cleaning solution is able to drain from the mopcompartment 20 to the filter compartment 22 via the first fluid movementpath A (block 1803). While the bucket is described as rotating slightlygreater than 90°, the bucket is rotated a sufficient distance to drainthe cleaning solution from mop compartment 20 to filter compartment 22and this distance may be less than 90°.

For example, wall 26 may be angled such that mop compartment 20 may bedrained without the bucket 2 being rotated 90°. As the bucket 2 istilted, the dirty cleaning solution drains over the dividing wall 26from compartment 20 into the filtering compartment 22. The cover 27 andoverspill wall 11 prevent the dirty cleaning solution from spilling outof the top of the bucket 2. Once all of the dirty cleaning solution hasdrained into the filtering compartment 22 the user rotates the bucketback to the upright position shown in FIG. 10 (block 1804). At thispoint all of the dirty cleaning solution 25 is located in the filteringcompartment 22. Gravity pulls the dirty cleaning solution through thefilter assembly 42 as the filtered cleaning solution follows the secondfluid movement path C and drains through apertures 34 and back intocompartment 22 (block 1805).

To rotate the bucket 2, the lock 70 is unlocked by moving latch 72 awayfrom the bucket 2 to disengage the engagement portion 76 from the bucket(block 1901). The user rotates the bucket 2 relative to frame 50 fromthe upright position of FIG. 8 to the tilted position of FIG. 9 allowingthe cleaning solution to drain from compartment 20 to compartment 22(block 1902). To complete the cleaning cycle, the user rotates thebucket 2 relative to frame 50 from the tilted position of FIG. 9 back tothe upright position of FIG. 10 (block 1903). The flange 80 strikes thecam surface 84 of latch 72 to move the latch to the unlocked position(block 1904). The bucket 2 is rotated until the flange 80 is alignedwith the engagement portion 76 and the latch 72 moves to relock thebucket relative to the frame 50 (block 1905).

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11 through 14, where like referencenumerals are used to identify like elements previously described withreference to FIGS. 1 through 5. The bucket 2 is supported directly onwheels, rather than on frame 50, such that the bucket may be transportedby the user over a floor or other surface. In the illustrated embodimentwheels 111 are caster wheels that are free to pivot about a verticalaxis while wheels 113 are fixed wheels that cannot rotate about avertical axis although four caster wheels may be used.

A handle 115 extends vertically upward from the bucket 2 such that itcan grasped by a user to move the bucket 2. The handle 115 has aninternal chamber 120 that extends from the end of the handle near thebucket 2 to a point 116 near the upper free end of the handle 115. Thechamber 120 extends to the exterior of the handle 115 at opening 125. Atilting mechanism 130 is disposed in the chamber 120 to facilitatetilting of the bucket. The tilting mechanism 130 comprises a cord 132that extends in chamber 120 for approximately the length of handle 115and through opening 125. A tilt knob or grip 134 is secured to the endof the cord 132 that may be easily gripped by the user. The tilt knob orgrip 134 is larger than the opening 125 such that the knob cannot bepulled into the chamber 120. In the upright position shown in FIG. 11the tilting mechanism 130 is stored with the cord 132 retracted into thechamber 120 and the tilt knob or grip 134 pulled against the handle 115near its free upper end. The user may pull on knob or grip 134 to extendthe cord 132 from the handle 115 as shown in FIG. 12. The cord 132 hasan enlarged end 136 that is larger than the opening 135 such that thecord 132 may be extended from the handle 115 but cannot be completelyremoved from the chamber 120. The enlarged end 136 may be weighted suchthat when the bucket is in the upright position shown in FIG. 11, theweight of the end 136 pulls the end 132 a of the cord 132 to the bottomof the chamber 120 thereby retracting the cord into the handle 115 tothe retracted position shown in FIG. 11. The extension and retraction ofthe cord 132 may be accomplished using other mechanisms such as a spooland spring motor or the like.

The bucket in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 through 14 operates in the samemanner as previously described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 10. Themethod of tilting the bucket in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 through 14will be described. To filter the cleaning solution, the bucket 102 istilted back until it is resting on its back on the floor F in the tiltedposition as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 (block 2001). As the bucket 102 isrotated to the tilted position, the user grabs the tilting knob or grip134 and pulls the cord 132 out from the bucket handle 115 (block 2002).This causes the weight 136 secured to the end of the cord 132 to slideup the inside of the chamber 120 in the handle 115 until it is stoppedat aperture 125. The user can lower and raise the bucket 102 between theupright vertical position and the tilted position without bending overby using cord 132. Once all of the dirty cleaning solution has drainedinto the filtering compartment 22 via fluid movement path A the userlifts up on the tilting knob or grip 134 and cord 132 which raises thebucket 102 back to the upright position as shown in FIG. 13 (block2003). The weight 136, under the force of gravity, causes the tiltingcord 132 to retract back into the bucket handle 115 which brings thetilting knob 134 back to the retracted position at the top of the handle115 (block 2004). The mop bucket 2 allows the user to filter the dirtymop water to create clean cleaning solution whenever and wherever themop bucket is located without the need to access a clean water source.As a result, the user does not waste time transporting the bucket fromthe mopping site to a clean water source, emptying the dirty cleaningsolution, refilling the bucket with new cleaning solution, andtransporting the bucket back to the mopping site. The method andapparatus for mopping and filtering dirty mop water allows the end userto filter the dirty cleaning solution without leaving the job site. Theuser is able to continue mopping with filtered water quickly and easily.

An embodiment of the wringer of the invention is shown generally at 200in FIGS. 21 through 29 and comprises a housing 202 made of a rigidmaterial such as molded plastic, metal or the like. The housing 202comprises a pair of side walls 204 and 206 connected by front wall 208and back wall 210 to define a generally rectangular housing. The housingmay have any suitable shape and the shape of the illustrated housing 202is for explanatory purposes. In one embodiment housing 202 is configuredto mate with the top of bucket 2 such that the wringer 200 can besecured to bucket 2. Atop 212 covers the housing and defines arelatively large opening 214 for receiving a mop. The bottom of thehousing is open such that the opening 214 allows passage through thehousing 202 into the bucket. While the wringer shown in FIG. 21 may beconveniently used with the filter bucket 2 of the invention, the wringer200 may be used with any bucket. An adjustable roller 220 is mountedbetween the side walls 204 and 206 such that it may rotate along is longaxis. A movable roller 230 is also mounted in the housing 202 parallelto the adjustable roller 220. Roller 220 is rotatably mounted at eachend to a cam 222 such that the roller 220 can rotate relative to thecams 222. The cams 222 are used to adjust the position of roller 220relative to roller 230. The roller 220 is able to move toward and awayfrom movable roller 230 to increase or decrease the space between therollers and the squeezing force exerted by the rollers on a mop locatedbetween the rollers. A control knob 224 is connected to each cam 222 viaslots 226 formed in side walls 204 and 206 such that turning the knobs224 turns the cams 222. The cams 222 are identical such that referencewill be made to one cam 222. Cam 222 comprises a plurality of detents222 a formed at spaced intervals about the periphery thereof. In theillustrated embodiment the detents 222 a are located every 90°. The cam222 is eccentric relative to the axis of rotation C-C of the roller 220such that each detent 222 a is spaced a different distance from the axisC-C. To adjust the spacing between the rollers 220 and 230 and thepressure exerted by the rollers on a mop, cams 222 are used to positionthe adjustable roller 20 relative to movable roller 30. Knobs 224 arerotated causing the cams 222 to rotate relative to the housing to one offour positions 222 a. Because cams 222 are eccentrically mountedrelative to the axis of rotation C-C of roller 220, roller 220 is movedtoward or away from roller 230 when knob 224 is turned. Detents 222 alock the cams 222 in one of the four positions against stop 223 toretain the roller 220 in the desired position relative to roller 230.Slot 226 limits movement of the roller 220 along the length of the slotsuch that when cams 222 are rotated the roller 220 is moved toward andaway from roller 230 along slots 226.

Movable roller 230 has one end mounted to a first end 232 a of swing arm232. The opposite end of movable roller 230 is mounted to a first end234 a of swing arm 234. The opposite end 232 b of swing arm 232 ismounted for pivoting movement in side wall 204 and the opposite end 234b of swing arm 234 is mounted for pivoting movement in side wall 206.The mechanism for mounting arms 232 and 234 to the housing are the samesuch that specific reference will be made to arm 232. Arm 232 has acylindrical bearing 236 at end 232 b that fits into a circular aperture238 formed in side wall 204. The bearing 236 freely rotates in aperture238 such that arm 232 can pivot about bearing 236 relative to thehousing 202. A cap 240 having an enlarged head 241 is inserted into thebearing 236 and secured to arm 232 to fix the arm 232 to the housing 202such that arm 232 can rotate but is otherwise fixed in the housing 202.The cap 240 may be press fit into the bearing 236, secured by welding,adhesive or screwthreads or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 26, roller 230 is mounted to the ends 232 aand 234 a of arms 232 and 234 in the same manner. A toothed gear 242 isfixed to each end of the roller 230 such that the roller 230 and gears242 rotate together. An axle 244 extends between the arms 232 and 234such that the roller 230 and gears 242 rotate together on axle 244 aboutthe longitudinal axis of roller 230.

An actuating rod 250 is supported between housing side walls 204 and 206such that the rod 250 can rotate along its longitudinal axis relative tohousing 2. The ends of rod 250 are supported for rotational motion bybearings 253 that are supported in apertures 252 in side walls 204 and206 such that the axis of rotation of rod 250 is parallel to the axes ofrotation of rollers 220 and 230. Mounted to rod 250 for rotation withthe rod are sector gears 260 and 262. The rod 250 may have a rectangularprofile that engages rectangular apertures 254 in gears 260 and 262 suchthat the rod 250 is fixed to the gears. The sector gears 260 and 262 arepositioned on rod 250 such that they are disposed inside of the swingarms 232 and 234 directly opposite to the gears 242. The sector gears260 and 262 are provided with cam surfaces 264 that engage the toothedgears 242 to move the roller 230 into engagement with roller 220 as willhereinafter be described. The sector gears 260 and 262 are also providedwith gear teeth 263 that engage the toothed gears 242 to rotate theroller 230 as will hereinafter be described.

The end 250 a of rod 250 extends through aperture 252 and is connectedto lever arm 266. Lever arm 266 is arranged substantially orthogonallyto rod 250 and forms a handle that is pushed by the user to rotate rod250 to actuate the wringer. A spring 259 returns the lever arm 266 androd 250 to the non-actuated position when lever arm 266 is released bythe user. Spring 259 may comprise a coil spring mounted on rod 250having one end 259 a fixed to housing 202 and the opposite end 259 bfixed to lever arm 266 for movement therewith.

The operation of the wringer will be described with reference to FIGS.23 through 25, 27 through 29 and 30. A mop is positioned between therollers 220 and 230 with the top end of the mop, i.e. the end of the mopclosest to the handle, between the rollers and the rest of the mopextending below the rollers in a bucket (Block 3001). The wringer 200 isshown in the non-actuated position in FIGS. 23 and 27 with the rollers220 and 230 spaced from one another and lever 266 in the at restposition (Block 3002). Lever arm 266 is rotated by the user in thedirection of arrow E causing rod 250 to rotate in the same direction,FIGS. 23 and 27 (Block 3003). As rod 250 rotates sector gears 260 and262 also rotate in the same direction (Block 3004). The cam surfaces 264on sector gears 260 and 262 contact gears 242 that are fixed to theopposite ends of roller 230 (Block 3005). The cam surfaces 264 areshaped such that as the sector gears 260 and 262 are rotated, the camsurfaces 264 force gears 242, and roller 230, toward roller 220 in thedirection of arrow F, FIGS. 24 and 28. As sector gears 260 and 262 pushagainst gears 242 the swing arms 232 and 234 are rotated about bearings236 in the opposite direction F to the direction E of rotation of rod250 and sector gears 260 and 262 (Block 3006). As swing arms 232 and 234rotate the movable roller 230 is moved toward the adjustable roller 220to the position shown in FIGS. 24 and 28 where the rollers are incontact or closely spaced from one another.

As handle 266 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow E to theposition sown in FIGS. 25 and 29, roller 230 continues to swing towardroller 220 until the gear teeth 263 on sector gears 260 and 262 engagethe gear teeth on gears 242 (Block 3007). When the gear teeth 263 onsector gears 260 and 262 engage the gear teeth on gears 242, camsurfaces 264 no longer move gears 242, roller 230 and swing arms 232toward roller 220 and movement of the roller 230 toward roller 220stops. The final distance between the rollers 220 and 230 is set byadjustment knobs 224 and cams 222. The engagement of teeth 263 of sectorgears 260 and 262 with gears 242 causes roller 230 to rotate about itslongitudinal axis in the direction of arrow G as shown in FIGS. 25 and29 (Block 3008). The rollers 220 and 230 exert a compressive force onthe mop to squeeze dirt and liquid from the mop and the mop exerts areactive force on roller 220 causing it to rotate in the direction ofarrow H (Block 3009). The direction of movement of the rollers 220 and230 on the mop is upward away from the bucket in the direction of arrowI such that in addition to squeezing the mop the rollers 220 and 230also pull the mop upward out of the bucket (Block 3010).

When lever arm 266 reaches its end of travel as shown in FIGS. 25 and 29the user releases the lever arm 266 and the spring 259 returns the leverarm 266 to the non-actuated position of FIGS. 23 and 27 (Block 3011). Asthe lever arm 266 is rotated to this position the rotation of rod 250and sector gears 260 and 262 is reversed until the gear teeth 263 ofsector gears 260 and 262 disengage from the gears 242 (Block 3012). Theweight of roller 230 and swing arms 232 and 234 cause the swing arms232, 234 to rotate downward and away from roller 220 in the directionopposite arrow F (Block 3013).

Referring to FIGS. 31 through 36 an embodiment of a mop is showncomprising a handle 301 connected to a frame 302 at a universal joint303. The frame 302 and components could be stamped metal, molded plasticor wire form or other material. A mop cover 304 is removably secured toframe 302 as will hereinafter be described. The frame 302 comprises oftwo frame members 307, 308 joined together by hinge 306. The framemembers 307, 308 comprise generally planar members that are shaped tocreate support frame 302 that is sized and shaped to engage and supportmop cover 304. Frame member 307 comprises a top side 307 c and a bottomside 307 d and frame member 308 comprises a top side 308 c and a bottomside 308 d. Frame member 307 includes a leading edge 307 a and atrailing edge 307 b and frame member 308 includes a leading edge 308 aand a trailing edge 308 b. The terms “leading edge” and “trailing edge”are used for convenience in describing the shape of the frame, in actualuse either edge may be the front of the mop as the mop is pushed over asurface. In the illustrated embodiment the first frame member 307 andthe second frame member 308 have similar shapes; however, the framemembers may have different shapes provided the frame 302 fits the mopcover 304. The hinge 306 may comprise a plurality of interdigitatedknuckles 309 a, 309 b formed on the leading edges 307 a, 308 a of framemembers 307, 308, respectively, that are rotatably connected to oneanother by rods 310 such that the frame members 307 and 308 can rotaterelative to one another about hinge 306 between the folded positionshown in FIGS. 31 and 32 and the collapsed position shown in FIG. 36 a.

Mop cover 304 is provided on its top surface 304 b with pockets 314 thatare engaged by the frame 302 such that the mop cover 304 is retained onframe 302 and covers the bottom side of frame 302. The bottom surface304 a of mop cover 304 is provided with a surface suitable for cleaninga floor or other surface and may comprise an absorbent, abrasive, dustattractive surface or the like. In the illustrated embodiment thepockets 314 are formed at the four corners of cover 304 and receive thefour outer corners of frame 302. Pockets may be formed over other partsof the cover 304.

Spaced channels 320 and 322 are provided on the top side of one of theframe members 307, 308. In the illustrated embodiment the channels 320,322 are provided on top side 307 c of frame member 307 and are spacedequally from the center of the frame member 307. Channels 320 and 322extend between the leading edge 307 a and trailing edge 307 b of theframe member 307. A yoke 328 is attached to frame member 307 such thatthe yoke may slide in the channels 320, 322 between the leading edge 307a and trailing edge 307 b and may pivot relative to the frame member307. Specifically, yoke 328 includes a first pin 324 that extendslaterally into channel 320 and a second pin 326 that extends laterallyinto channel 322. The pins 324 and 326 are free to slide along thelength of the channels 320 and 322 and to pivot in the channels suchthat a translating pivot axis c-c, that extends through pins 324 and326, allows the frame 302 to pivot and translate relative to the yoke328.

Handle 301 is pivoted to the yoke 328 at pivot 332 such that the handle301 may pivot relative to the yoke 328 about pivot axis d-d. Axis c-c isorthogonal to axis d-d creating universal joint 303 where the handle 301may pivot relative to the frame 302 about two perpendicular axes. Theuniversal joint 303 allows the user to use a figure-8 mopping motion andprovides the user with a similar ergonomic feel to the figure eightmopping motion of a string mop. The handle 301 may have any convenientlength. Further, a handle extension 332 may be releasably connected tohandle 301. Handle 301 may comprise a socket 301 a that extends alongthe length of the handle. Handle extension 332 is releasably insertedinto the socket and is locked relative to the handle 301 using anysuitable releasable locking device 301 b such as a ball and detent,screw threads or the like.

Latches 340 are provided to lock frame member 307 to frame member 308 inthe folded position. Latch 340 comprises a first hook 341 formed onframe member 308 that releasably engages a mating hook 343 on framemember 307. The hooks 341 and 343 are deformable such that when framemember 307 is pushed towards frame member 308 the hooks strike eachother and deform such that member 341 a of hook 341 is disposed behindmember 343 a of hook 343. The hooks retain the frame members 307 and 308in the folded position but the frame members 307 and 308 can be forcedapart to deform and separate the hooks 341 and 343. The latch may haveother configurations and magnets may be used to lock the frame members307, 308 together.

Slots 344 and 346 are formed in the edges 307 b, 308 b of frame members307 and 308 to allow the yoke 328 to pivot relative to the folded frame302 over 180° of relative motion such that the handle may extend fromeither side of the folded frame when the opposite side of the frame isdisposed on the floor or other surface.

The mop occupies the folded position shown in FIGS. 31, 32 and 36 c whenthe mop is in the use position suitable for mopping a floor or othersurface. In the folded position, yoke 328 and handle 301 are positionedat the outer ends 320 a and 322 a of the channels 320 and 322,respectively, and the top side 307 c of the first frame member 307 isclosely adjacent to and parallel to the top side 308 c of the secondframe member 308. The frame members 307 and 308 are secured to oneanother by the latch 340 such that the frame 302 is maintained in thefolded position during use of the mop.

The frame 302 occupies the collapsed position shown in FIGS. 34 and 36 awhen the frame 302 is inserted into the mop cover 304 or removed fromthe mop cover 304. In this position the yoke 328 and handle 301 arepositioned at the inner ends 320 b, 322 b of the channels 320 and 322,respectively, and the first frame member 307 and the second frame member308 are suspended from the handle 301. The frame members 307 and 308hang down from yoke 328 such that the bottom sides 307 c, 308 c of theframe members 307, 308 respectively, are opposite to and face oneanother but are not connected to one another other than at hinge 6. Theframe members 307 and 308 are disposed at an angle relative to oneanother such that the leading edges 307 a and 308 a are spaced from oneanother.

Between the folded position of FIGS. 31, 32 and 36 c and the collapsedposition of FIGS. 34 and 36 a, the frame 302 may occupy the intermediateexpanded position shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 b. In this position the yoke328 and handle 301 are positioned at the inner ends 320 b, 322 b of thechannels 320 and 322, respectively. The user can press on the handle 301in the direction of arrow J to press the frame members 307, 308 againsta floor or other surface to force the frame members 307, 308 apart untilthey occupy the coplanar flat position shown in FIG. 36 b. The framemembers 307 and 308 are able to rotate relative to one another abouthinge 306 between the folded position and collapsed position passingthrough the intermediate flat position.

In use, the mop cover 4 is laid flat on a floor or other surface, FIG.36 a (block 3701). The frame 2 is in the collapsed position where theframe members 307, 308 are suspended from yoke 328, FIG. 36 a (block3702). The four corners of the frame 2 are positioned opposite therespective four corner pockets 14 of the mop cover 4 (block 3703). Theyoke 28 is positioned near the center of the frame 302 at the first end320 a, 322 a of the channels 320, 322, respectively (block 3704). Thehandle 301 is pressed down to flatten the frame 302 and extend thecorners of the frame 302 into the pockets 314 of the mop cover 302, FIG.36 b (block 3705). The yoke 328 is slid from the center position, FIG.30 b, to the edge position, FIG. 30 c, where the yoke 328 is moved tothe outer ends 320 b, 322 b of the channels 320, 322 (block 3706). Thehandle 301 is lifted up in the direction of arrow K to lift the leadingedge 307 b of frame member 307, FIG. 36 d (block 3707). The frame member307 is then folded about hinge 306 over the frame member 308 in thedirection of arrow L, FIG. 36 d, FIG. 12 (block 3708). The frame member307 is secured to the frame member 308 by latch 43, FIG. 36 e (block3709). The mop is then ready for use in the folded moppingconfiguration. In the folded position a two-sided mop is provided wherethe handle 301 may extend from either side of the folded frame 302 suchthat either side of mop cover 304 may be used for cleaning.

To remove the mop cover 304 from the frame 302 the above steps arereversed. The user lifts on handle 301 such that the frame 302 issuspended from the yoke 328 as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. The user priesapart the two frame members 307, 308 to release latch 340. To pry apartframe members 307 and 308 a plunger 360 is mounted in a passageway 361in the yoke 328 such that the plunger can be reciprocated toward andaway from the frame 302. The lower end of plunger 360 is formed with anenlarged head 362 that can be forced between the edges 307 b and 308 bof frame members 307 and 308 to force the ends of the frame membersapart and unlock latch 340 as shown in FIG. 33. The plunger 360comprises wings 364 that extend out from the sides of handle 301 suchthat the user can grasp wings 364 and force the plunger 360 down intoengagement with the frame members 307 and 308 to the position of FIG.31. The plunger 360 is raised after the frame members 307 and 308 areseparated. When the latch 340 is unlocked the frame opens to theposition shown in FIG. 36 d. The user moves the handle 301 and yoke 328to the center position shown in FIG. 36 b and lifts the handle such thatthe frame members 307 and 308 fall down in the collapsed position shownin FIG. 36 a. In this position the mop cover 304 falls from the frame302. The frame 302 provides a two-sided mop that allows the user toattach and remove the mop cover 304 from the frame 302 without touchingthe mop cover 304.

Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention has otherapplications in other environments. Many embodiments are possible. Thefollowing claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the specific embodiments described above.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method of using a mop bucket comprising:providing a bucket defining a first compartment configured to receive amop and a second compartment, said bucket being rotatable between anupright first position and a second position; filling the firstcompartment with cleaning solution; rotating the bucket from the uprightfirst position to the second position and allowing the cleaning solutionto drain from the first compartment to the second compartment undergravity through a first fluid movement path; rotating the bucket fromthe second position to the upright first position such that the cleaningsolution drains from the second compartment to the first compartmentunder gravity through a second fluid movement path where the cleaningsolution does not drain through the first fluid movement path when thebucket is in the upright first position; and filtering the cleaningsolution through a filter in the second fluid path to clean dirt fromthe cleaning solution, the filter not being in the first fluid path. 20.(canceled)
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the bucket is supported ona frame, the steps of rotating the bucket comprise rotating the bucketrelative to the frame.
 22. The method of claim 21 further supporting theframe on wheels.
 23. The method of claim 21 further locking the bucketrelative to the frame when the bucket is in the first position.
 24. Themethod of claim 19 further supporting the bucket on a plurality ofwheels that roll on a surface, the step of rotating the bucket from thefirst position to the second position comprises rotating the bucket suchthat at least one of the plurality of wheels is moved out of engagementwith the surface.
 25. The method of claim 19 further comprising rotatingthe bucket approximately 90 degrees from the first position to thesecond position.
 26. A method of using a mop bucket comprising:providing a first compartment configured to receive a mop and a secondcompartment, said first compartment being rotatable between a firstposition and a second position; filling the first compartment withcleaning solution; rotating the first compartment from the firstposition to the second position and allowing the cleaning solution todrain from the first compartment to the second compartment via a firstfluid movement path; rotating the first compartment from the secondposition to the first position such that the cleaning solution drainsfrom the second compartment to the first compartment via a second fluidmovement path; and filtering dirt from the cleaning solution as thecleaning solution drains from the second compartment to the firstcompartment through the second fluid movement path.
 27. The method ofclaim 26 wherein the first compartment and the second compartment aresupported on a frame, the steps of rotating the first compartmentcomprises rotating the first compartment relative to the frame.
 28. Themethod of claim 27 further supporting the frame on wheels.
 29. Themethod of claim 27 further locking the first compartment relative to theframe when the first compartment is in the first position.
 30. Themethod of claim 26 further supporting the first compartment and thesecond compartment on a plurality of wheels that roll on a surface, thestep of rotating the first compartment from the first position to thesecond position comprises rotating the first compartment such that atleast one of the plurality of wheels is moved out of engagement with thesurface.
 31. The method of claim 26 further comprising rotating thefirst compartment approximately 90 degrees from the first position tothe second position.
 32. The method of claim 26 wherein the step offiltering dirt comprises passing the cleaning solution through a filter.33. A method of using a mop bucket comprising: providing a bucketcomprising a first compartment configured to receive a mop and a secondcompartment, said bucket being rotatable between a first position and asecond position; filling the first compartment with cleaning solution;rotating the bucket from the first position to the second position andallowing the cleaning solution to drain from the first compartment tothe second compartment via a first fluid movement path; rotating thebucket from the second position to the first position such that thecleaning solution drains from the second compartment to the firstcompartment via a second fluid movement path; and filtering dirt fromthe cleaning solution during one of as bucket rotates from the firstposition to the second position and from the second position to thefirst position.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the bucket issupported on a frame, the steps of rotating the bucket comprisesrotating the bucket relative to the frame.
 35. The method of claim 34further supporting the frame on wheels.
 36. The method of claim 34further locking the bucket relative to the frame when the bucket is inthe first position.
 37. The method of claim 33 further supporting thebucket on a plurality of wheels that roll on a surface, the step ofrotating the bucket from the first position to the second positioncomprises rotating the bucket such that at least one of the plurality ofwheels is moved out of engagement with the surface.
 38. The method ofclaim 33 further comprising rotating the bucket approximately 90 degreesfrom the first position to the second position.
 39. The method of claim33 wherein the step of filtering dirt comprises passing the cleaningsolution through a filter.